Wine

WINE TASTING

LD’s Head Sommelier Dražen Matković takes guests on a journey around the vineyards of Dalmatia in our series of Wine Tasting events. With perfect wine pairings and surprising anecdotes about the history of regional wine making, this is a memorable experience for visitors to Korčula who wish to immerse themselves in local culture. Advanced booking is required for LD’s Chef’s Table and Wine Tasting events. Please contact us for more information.

Wine has been an integral part of local culture for over two thousands years. Our Wine List includes the finest wines available in Croatia, with a particular emphasis on South Dalmatia, the island of Korčula and the Pelješac Peninsula.

We take pride in working closely with local producers and our Head Sommelier Dražen Matković is well known for his creative pairings and knowledge of wine making and local history. Since 2016 we are proud to have partnered with WSET to provide wine and spirits education to other local restaurants and hotels.

LOCAL PARTNERS

Frano Milina Bire Frano Milina Bire is a family-run vineyard in Lumbarda, the heartland of the Grk grape variety. After many years, Frano was the first local winemaker to return to traditional methods of growing vines with terraced vineyards and ecological farming methods. Grk is one of the oldest grapes on the Adriatic, grown by the Ancient Greeks who settled in the region over 2000 years ago. In 2018 Frano Milina Bire's winery celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Sommelier's ChoiceWINE: Franko Milina Bire - Grk Defora 2015"Very first Grk in Sur lie style...a new age for a variety that dates back to ancient times in this area. Ultra limited ..2000 bottles only ! Composition of freshness, fruity, vanilla, spicy and buttery notes...a wine to smell for a whole day. A wide range of food can be matched with such complex wines but I would prefer it with Cuttlefish, Squid or Octopus slowly cooked in wine, olive oil, fish stock and Mediterranean spicy herbs."

KrajančićLuka Krajančić is a poet and artist who grew up on the southern side of Korčula island. His wines tell the story of his intimate experience working with the land. The Krajančić winery is about exacting precision. Intrada (meaning ‘entrance’) – Luka’s first version of ‘modern’ Pošip wine - blends a scent of the sea with a deep, powerful flavour.

Sommelier's Choice WINE: Luka Krajančić - Intrada 2017"Perfect summer style wine. Fruity and floral it is reflection of the winemaker's childhood memories. A great "intrada introduction" to the world of finest local wines made of unique and autochthonous grape varieties. Fresh Oysters & Intrada are a summer dream for every true hedonist."

Bura – MrgudićThis family winery, owned by siblings Niko Bura and Marija Mrgudić, is committed to growing the best fruit and applying simple, traditional winemaking techniques to produce fine wine. Their vineyards are located on the very steep southern slopes of the Pelješac penninsula. As the terrain is very rough, the only way to tend the vines is by hand, which makes their winemaking efforts even more impressive.

Sommelier’s Choice WINE: Dingač Bura 2014“This Plavac Mali wine is made in a very traditional winery with exceptional fruit. Grown on the steep Dingač Hills, I believe these grapes contain all the flavours of Dalmatia. Dingač Bura has notes of dried figs, carob, wild Dalmation shrubs, walnuts, Maraska Cherry Liqueur and plums; it has an unforgettable finish that lasts longer than a holiday! Drink with dried fruit, ripe cheese – even a slice of bread. This wine is sustenance in a glass.”

Grgić VinaGrgić Vina is a family run estate in Trstenik, established in 1996 by Napa Valley winemaker - Croatian-born Miljenko “Mike” Grgich - his daughter, Violet Grgić and nephew, Ivo Jeramaz. Grgić Vina produces wines from native Dalmation grapes to craft Croatia’s best varietals: Plavac Mali (red) and Pošip (white). All wines at Grgić Vina winery have been recognised as top, premium wines and the 1996 Plavac Mali has twice been recognised as the best red Croatian wine on the market.

Korta Katarina WineryNika Silić Maroević, a talented wine maker, heads the team at Korta Katarina Winery. She has managed to successfully preserve the identity of pošip and plavac grape varieties, whilst at the same time reinventing them with a feminine touch. Nika grew up on the island of Korčula: the island of Pošip wine.

Sommelier’s Choice WINE: Reubens Private Collection 2007“This Plavac Mali wine is harvested from grapes in Dingač and Postup vineyards. The wine is designed to age. It has a dominant, ripe character that is balanced with a fresh fruitiness. The flavours of dried, dark fruit and berries also have a smoky tone of herbs. This is best accompanied with game meat, ripe cheese, Pašticada and chocolate."

Miloš WineryThis small family owned winery located on a 500-year-old estate was one of the first Pelješac producers to forge an international reputation. The Plavac Mali grape (little blue) is the indigenous grape from which most of Dalmatia’s best reds are made. It is the offspring of an ancient grape variety called Crljenak Kaštelanski and its robust makeup thrives in the extreme coastal conditions. Frano Miloš only works with Plavac from his own vines, producing full-bodied red wines with a ‘scent of the sea’.

Ernest Tolj & Saints HillsErnest Tolj is a great wine lover and aficionado, as well as winery owner. He started making wine from indigenous grape varieties in Croatia in 2006, when he invested in three different vineyard locations: Radovani in Istria, Komarna in Dalmatia and Dinagač on the Pelješac Penninsula. Ernest worked alongside Michel Rolland, the eminent enologist, to create a range of exceptional wines. Saints Heels Rose, Dingač, Sv. Roko and Nevina are now sold in award-winning restaurants internationally.

Leo Gracin & Suha PuntaLeo and his father started producing wine in 2000. In 2006 they founded Suha Punta with partners in Primošten near Šibenik in middle Dalmatia. The same year they released their first Babić that was instantly proclaimed one of the best full-bodied red wines in Croatia.

Sommelier’s Choice WINE: Babić Gracin 2015“This wine is made from 100% Babić grapes from the famous Bucavac vineyards in Primošten. Fruity, spicy, deep, complex, smooth and elegant. This is a big Dalmatian wine! Great with tuna steak or slow-roasted local lamb.”

Alen Bibich & BibichAlen runs a very successful winery in Plastovo in the Šibenik area. He is a true visionary and one of the first exporters of Croatian wine to the US. His wine broad portfolio includes sparkling, white, rosé, red, and dessert wines. American chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain remarked on a recent visit: "I can't believe it took me this long to get here. This is f****** awesome."